Hey there. I'm Osman Farooqui and welcome to The Drop, a weekly culture show from the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, where we dive into the latest in the world of pop culture and entertainment. This episode of The Drop is a pretty special one. We've been busy with our succession recap episodes, but we had to break the mold for this EP because it features interviews with no less than three of the most acclaimed actresses in Hollywood. Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren and Brie Larson have all won an Oscar, and they also happen to be starring in Fast Ten, the latest installment in the two decades long, Fast and Furious franchise.

Hey there. I'm Osman Farooqui and welcome to The Drop, a weekly culture show from the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, where we dive into the latest in the world of pop culture and entertainment. This episode of The Drop is a pretty special one. We've been busy with our succession recap episodes, but we had to break the mold for this EP because it features interviews with no less than three of the most acclaimed actresses in Hollywood. Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren and Brie Larson have all won an Oscar, and they also happen to be starring in Fast Ten, the latest installment in the two decades long, Fast and Furious franchise.

As I look out at this wonderful family, I am filled with so much pride.

As I look out at this wonderful family, I am filled with so much pride.

The Great Dome Trento. If you never would have gotten behind that wheel, I'd never be the man I am today.

The Great Dome Trento. If you never would have gotten behind that wheel, I'd never be the man I am today.

Fast Ten is the first movie in history to feature four Oscar winning actresses alongside the three I mentioned. There's also the incredible Rita moreno from West Side Story. She makes her debut in the series in this film. If that sounds crazy, it's because well, I mean, it is kind of crazy. I've been a fan of these movies for a very long time, but even I've been surprised at how big they've gotten. Collectively, the films have grossed over $10 billion at the box office. The latest film, Boston is supposed to be the beginning of the end of the series, and it's far and away the biggest yet, at least in terms of pure star power. You can catch my interviews with Helen, Charlize Brie and the wonderful Michelle Rodriguez at the second half of this episode. But first, to help unpack why the Fast and the Furious has managed to stay so big for so long, I'm joined by the wonderful Brooke Boney, the news and entertainment presenter on The Today Show, an all round legend and like me, a fan of the Fast and Furious films. Brooke, how are you going?

Fast Ten is the first movie in history to feature four Oscar winning actresses alongside the three I mentioned. There's also the incredible Rita moreno from West Side Story. She makes her debut in the series in this film. If that sounds crazy, it's because well, I mean, it is kind of crazy. I've been a fan of these movies for a very long time, but even I've been surprised at how big they've gotten. Collectively, the films have grossed over $10 billion at the box office. The latest film, Boston is supposed to be the beginning of the end of the series, and it's far and away the biggest yet, at least in terms of pure star power. You can catch my interviews with Helen, Charlize Brie and the wonderful Michelle Rodriguez at the second half of this episode. But first, to help unpack why the Fast and the Furious has managed to stay so big for so long, I'm joined by the wonderful Brooke Boney, the news and entertainment presenter on The Today Show, an all round legend and like me, a fan of the Fast and Furious films. Brooke, how are you going?

Well, I'm not in Italy anymore, so that sucks.

Well, I'm not in Italy anymore, so that sucks.

We did have a fun time in Italy, didn't we?

We did have a fun time in Italy, didn't we?

It's just so beautiful. Like it was the perfect location for a film premiere because the whole thing was like a film set.

It's just so beautiful. Like it was the perfect location for a film premiere because the whole thing was like a film set.

Yeah. And you were on the red carpet, which was actually at the Coliseum, which must have been like a once in a lifetime sort of wacky, wacky moment.

Yeah. And you were on the red carpet, which was actually at the Coliseum, which must have been like a once in a lifetime sort of wacky, wacky moment.

It was surreal because, you know, like, there's this car there. And then I look to one side and Helen Mirren was there. And then I looked at the other side. Jason Statham was there. And then behind them both was the Colosseum. And I was like, Where am I? What is this job? What is this life?

It was surreal because, you know, like, there's this car there. And then I look to one side and Helen Mirren was there. And then I looked at the other side. Jason Statham was there. And then behind them both was the Colosseum. And I was like, Where am I? What is this job? What is this life?

I think you told me that like this, the idea of having this media event premiere in Rome was something that, like Vin Diesel himself was really keen on pushing for.

I think you told me that like this, the idea of having this media event premiere in Rome was something that, like Vin Diesel himself was really keen on pushing for.

Yeah, well, when I had my one on one with him, he was like, Oh. So I pitched it to them that we would have like this huge world premiere in Rome and that we'd have the the premiere itself at the Colosseum. And he's like, And they went for it. Can you believe it? Like, you just sort of feel like whatever Vin Diesel wants, though, Vin Diesel gets.

Yeah, well, when I had my one on one with him, he was like, Oh. So I pitched it to them that we would have like this huge world premiere in Rome and that we'd have the the premiere itself at the Colosseum. And he's like, And they went for it. Can you believe it? Like, you just sort of feel like whatever Vin Diesel wants, though, Vin Diesel gets.

He is blurred the line between him and his character Dominic Toretto. I feel like they are the same person now. His ability to just like push forward and get whatever he wants is so ridiculous and over-the-top. Well.

He is blurred the line between him and his character Dominic Toretto. I feel like they are the same person now. His ability to just like push forward and get whatever he wants is so ridiculous and over-the-top. Well.

Did you I think you said to me like, did you notice how they use Vin and Dom interchangeably? And I didn't at first. But then once I thought about it, I was like, Yeah, they do. They call him Dom.

Did you I think you said to me like, did you notice how they use Vin and Dom interchangeably? And I didn't at first. But then once I thought about it, I was like, Yeah, they do. They call him Dom.

And hearing him talk about the cars, like he talks about Jordan Brewster, who plays his sister in the films he calls her his sister. In real life, I don't think he knows anymore that there is a film. Dom And then there is a real life. Vin I think these things have kind of combined.

And hearing him talk about the cars, like he talks about Jordan Brewster, who plays his sister in the films he calls her his sister. In real life, I don't think he knows anymore that there is a film. Dom And then there is a real life. Vin I think these things have kind of combined.

They've probably been doing these movies for like half of his.

They've probably been doing these movies for like half of his.

Life, more than half of his life, totally. And they are easily the biggest thing in his life and the lives of most of the actors. We're going to talk about these films generally and their broad cultural impact. And we're also going to dive into the most recent film, which, as we mentioned, had its premiere in Rome Fast ten. But I want to start with like more of a straightforward question, Brooke. The franchise is obviously so big now, but it's so interesting to think about how it started back in 2001 is this really humble story of street races robbing trucks for like knock off VHS players and small little Panasonic TVs. Well, we're now up to ten. And like we've seen the franchise race, a nuclear armed submarine. We've seen them go into space in the ninth film. What explains like the staying power of this franchise and how it just keeps getting bigger and bigger in your view?

Life, more than half of his life, totally. And they are easily the biggest thing in his life and the lives of most of the actors. We're going to talk about these films generally and their broad cultural impact. And we're also going to dive into the most recent film, which, as we mentioned, had its premiere in Rome Fast ten. But I want to start with like more of a straightforward question, Brooke. The franchise is obviously so big now, but it's so interesting to think about how it started back in 2001 is this really humble story of street races robbing trucks for like knock off VHS players and small little Panasonic TVs. Well, we're now up to ten. And like we've seen the franchise race, a nuclear armed submarine. We've seen them go into space in the ninth film. What explains like the staying power of this franchise and how it just keeps getting bigger and bigger in your view?

You know, you look back at those early movies and they've obviously never seen those Australian government ads that piracy is a crime, you know, then they would have known they would have been deterred if only they'd had those ads playing in.

You know, you look back at those early movies and they've obviously never seen those Australian government ads that piracy is a crime, you know, then they would have known they would have been deterred if only they'd had those ads playing in.

You wouldn't steal a VHS player Don't was like, Yeah, well you.

You wouldn't steal a VHS player Don't was like, Yeah, well you.

Would if you dumped her at Oh that's the I think the really interesting thing about this franchise is the people who love it really, really love it. And I think the reason for that is that they've sort of brought them along for the ride, pardon the pun. You know, like it started out as this movie about like a bunch of kids, you know, from the wrong side of the tracks who were, you know, stealing cars and doing all this stuff with these, you know, like hotted up, drag race things. And people love that for that time and place. And then as like people's taste in movies evolved and like the style of the day evolved, so did the fast franchise, you know, like then heist movies became more popular, so that sort of became an element in the movies, you know, movies about spying. And the government became popular. And so they incorporated that things to do with space like, you know, the final frontier that becomes popular. And so then they find a way to incorporate that and they never leave their audience behind or think they're better than their audience. And so I think that that's why they're so successful, because even if you look at this movie, like it still has a drag race in it.

Would if you dumped her at Oh that's the I think the really interesting thing about this franchise is the people who love it really, really love it. And I think the reason for that is that they've sort of brought them along for the ride, pardon the pun. You know, like it started out as this movie about like a bunch of kids, you know, from the wrong side of the tracks who were, you know, stealing cars and doing all this stuff with these, you know, like hotted up, drag race things. And people love that for that time and place. And then as like people's taste in movies evolved and like the style of the day evolved, so did the fast franchise, you know, like then heist movies became more popular, so that sort of became an element in the movies, you know, movies about spying. And the government became popular. And so they incorporated that things to do with space like, you know, the final frontier that becomes popular. And so then they find a way to incorporate that and they never leave their audience behind or think they're better than their audience. And so I think that that's why they're so successful, because even if you look at this movie, like it still has a drag race in it.

Yeah, totally.

Yeah, totally.

It's a movie about like, them trying to stop, like global terrorism, basically. And, you know, there's this huge bomb rolling through Rome, but you still get a drag race scene. And so, like the people who love those original movies with cars and like the family vibe, they get all of that plus whatever the flavor of the day is.

It's a movie about like, them trying to stop, like global terrorism, basically. And, you know, there's this huge bomb rolling through Rome, but you still get a drag race scene. And so, like the people who love those original movies with cars and like the family vibe, they get all of that plus whatever the flavor of the day is.

That's a really, really smart way of putting it. I hadn't really thought about in those terms before how they've been able to adapt and evolve with what audience expectations are. You know, like when the Bourne franchise gets really big, when Mission Impossible gets rebooted and comes back with that kind of action kind of comedy bent, these movies managed to fit into that mold and feel very contemporary and of like whatever the now is of these kinds of films. But if you were there from day one and you just wanted to see a couple of like, like you said, people from the wrong side of the tracks race hotted up, Mustangs and Mitsubishi Lances, It delivers for that as well. And I think it seems simple to say it, but to actually pull it off and to have scenes where, you know, the space thing I think was kind of ludicrous, but it felt self-aware as well. I feel like every time the films push the boundaries a bit and I think if you haven't seen them and you're not into them, you look at them from the outside and you think, these movies are ridiculous, and how do they expect anyone to take themselves seriously? I think on one hand they are very serious and emotionally impactful films, but I also think that when they do that wacky stuff, they know that they're having fun with the audience, basically. Right?

That's a really, really smart way of putting it. I hadn't really thought about in those terms before how they've been able to adapt and evolve with what audience expectations are. You know, like when the Bourne franchise gets really big, when Mission Impossible gets rebooted and comes back with that kind of action kind of comedy bent, these movies managed to fit into that mold and feel very contemporary and of like whatever the now is of these kinds of films. But if you were there from day one and you just wanted to see a couple of like, like you said, people from the wrong side of the tracks race hotted up, Mustangs and Mitsubishi Lances, It delivers for that as well. And I think it seems simple to say it, but to actually pull it off and to have scenes where, you know, the space thing I think was kind of ludicrous, but it felt self-aware as well. I feel like every time the films push the boundaries a bit and I think if you haven't seen them and you're not into them, you look at them from the outside and you think, these movies are ridiculous, and how do they expect anyone to take themselves seriously? I think on one hand they are very serious and emotionally impactful films, but I also think that when they do that wacky stuff, they know that they're having fun with the audience, basically. Right?

Totally. I just want to touch on that One thing that you said there about like them doing a particular thing. Like I think that that's part of the magic as well is like people who watched those early movies and saw themselves in those characters. Like maybe they feel like they're from the wrong side of the tracks. Maybe they feel like they're working class and they they see themselves win. Like, that's a nice feeling, you know? It's not like rich guys winning or it's not like the, you know, the one percenters. Like finally they get to see themselves, like get one up over over the man. And I think that there's something really quite earnest and quite lovely about that. And that's what makes people relate to it.

Totally. I just want to touch on that One thing that you said there about like them doing a particular thing. Like I think that that's part of the magic as well is like people who watched those early movies and saw themselves in those characters. Like maybe they feel like they're from the wrong side of the tracks. Maybe they feel like they're working class and they they see themselves win. Like, that's a nice feeling, you know? It's not like rich guys winning or it's not like the, you know, the one percenters. Like finally they get to see themselves, like get one up over over the man. And I think that there's something really quite earnest and quite lovely about that. And that's what makes people relate to it.

There's also a real like a cab anti cop element to these films, right? Like the first one starts with Paul Walker as a police officer, ending up ditching the cops to ride with Dominic Toretto. And it's you know, there's a message there of family and friendship and loyalty. And even if, like the law is being broken in a way that matters more than like sticking up for this arbitrary set of rules that seem designed in these movies again and again to protect the rich and powerful. Like we see rich and powerful people, billionaires side with corrupt police against our kind of like every man group of rebels. I think that's a really interesting part of it as well.

There's also a real like a cab anti cop element to these films, right? Like the first one starts with Paul Walker as a police officer, ending up ditching the cops to ride with Dominic Toretto. And it's you know, there's a message there of family and friendship and loyalty. And even if, like the law is being broken in a way that matters more than like sticking up for this arbitrary set of rules that seem designed in these movies again and again to protect the rich and powerful. Like we see rich and powerful people, billionaires side with corrupt police against our kind of like every man group of rebels. I think that's a really interesting part of it as well.

I love how part of the charm of it is like, you know, when they do come up against a bad guy who's like part of the 1% or part of the government or part of the enemy or whatever, they win them over by being like, Hey, guess what's more important than any of this family? Yeah, totally. So wait, it's so sweet. It's like we don't have anything else, but we've got family, you know? And that's how they win them over is with love.

I love how part of the charm of it is like, you know, when they do come up against a bad guy who's like part of the 1% or part of the government or part of the enemy or whatever, they win them over by being like, Hey, guess what's more important than any of this family? Yeah, totally. So wait, it's so sweet. It's like we don't have anything else, but we've got family, you know? And that's how they win them over is with love.

Totally. I want to ask you, when you first, like, really fell in love with these films for me, I actually I'm not sure I saw the first film in cinemas. I think I would have been like 10 or 11 at the time. But I have this really vivid memory of watching at the movies that show with Margaret Pomeranz, David Stratton, the kind of movie critics, because I was a huge nerd as a kid and it sort of burned into my brain. I thought these were two kind of stuffy, older, boring critics, and they were discussing the. Cannes film two, Fast two Furious. And I remember Margaret giving it four and a half stars out of five. She was just like, This movie is crazy, but it's so fun. And like, David just was having none of it. And she said, It's great. Tyrese Gibson rules Paul Walker. Maybe it's not the world's best actor, but there's a great chemistry there. The stunts were amazing. I was like, Man, if this is good enough for Margaret Pomeranz, it's good enough for me. I gave it a go and from that point on I was like totally sold rewatched. The first one went to the movies to watch Tokyo Drift and has have been there ever since. Do you have a memory or a moment where you realize that you're in with this franchise?

Totally. I want to ask you, when you first, like, really fell in love with these films for me, I actually I'm not sure I saw the first film in cinemas. I think I would have been like 10 or 11 at the time. But I have this really vivid memory of watching at the movies that show with Margaret Pomeranz, David Stratton, the kind of movie critics, because I was a huge nerd as a kid and it sort of burned into my brain. I thought these were two kind of stuffy, older, boring critics, and they were discussing the. Cannes film two, Fast two Furious. And I remember Margaret giving it four and a half stars out of five. She was just like, This movie is crazy, but it's so fun. And like, David just was having none of it. And she said, It's great. Tyrese Gibson rules Paul Walker. Maybe it's not the world's best actor, but there's a great chemistry there. The stunts were amazing. I was like, Man, if this is good enough for Margaret Pomeranz, it's good enough for me. I gave it a go and from that point on I was like totally sold rewatched. The first one went to the movies to watch Tokyo Drift and has have been there ever since. Do you have a memory or a moment where you realize that you're in with this franchise?

Well, I loved the first one as well, the same as everyone. You know, like I remember watching it as a teenager and being like, oh my gosh, this is so cool. Like, Jordan Brewster is so pretty. Michelle Rodriguez is so tough. You know, like the same as every other kid thought. Then I was living with a friend in Bondi and his girlfriend was in Tokyo. Drift Well, wow. So we watched it because we were like, Oh my gosh.

Well, I loved the first one as well, the same as everyone. You know, like I remember watching it as a teenager and being like, oh my gosh, this is so cool. Like, Jordan Brewster is so pretty. Michelle Rodriguez is so tough. You know, like the same as every other kid thought. Then I was living with a friend in Bondi and his girlfriend was in Tokyo. Drift Well, wow. So we watched it because we were like, Oh my gosh.

She was like the Australian girl in Tokyo. DRIFT Yeah. Wow. You lived with her boyfriend. What a great this is a great little fact for this.

She was like the Australian girl in Tokyo. DRIFT Yeah. Wow. You lived with her boyfriend. What a great this is a great little fact for this.

Because she lived with us for a little while.

Because she lived with us for a little while.

Too. So we watched it and we were like, Oh my God, that's in this. This is so sweet. And so like, I sort of re-engaged with it then. And then I went on a junket to Miami to see F9 or Fast Nine or whatever the title of it was for the trailer release, just doing the interviews with them and talking to them and being engaged with it. I wanted to be cynical of it and I wanted to be like, Oh, you know, this isn't my cup of tea, but I can appreciate how other people like it, but it's too hard not to get swept up in it because it all feels so genuine.

Too. So we watched it and we were like, Oh my God, that's in this. This is so sweet. And so like, I sort of re-engaged with it then. And then I went on a junket to Miami to see F9 or Fast Nine or whatever the title of it was for the trailer release, just doing the interviews with them and talking to them and being engaged with it. I wanted to be cynical of it and I wanted to be like, Oh, you know, this isn't my cup of tea, but I can appreciate how other people like it, but it's too hard not to get swept up in it because it all feels so genuine.

I feel like a lunatic and a lot of people accuse me of being a lunatic for talking very earnestly about how like, great. I do think you have to hate fun to not enjoy these movies, but like I am, I am a bit too deep on them. If you actually if you Google my name and like the Fast and Furious, it comes up with this ABC interview I don't remember doing where I compared one of the movies to like The Godfather two, which is one of my favorite movies ever, man. But but I think I think it's like, yeah, just accepting them for what they are and realizing that you're going to go in, you're going to see some of the greatest stunt sequences ever. You're going to see one of the best and most charismatic cast ever assembled, and you're going to have fun and like, don't don't expect more from them or don't try to compare them to something grittier or something something weirder, just like accept them for what they are. Kick back and have a good time. Like that's what cinema is about, right?

I feel like a lunatic and a lot of people accuse me of being a lunatic for talking very earnestly about how like, great. I do think you have to hate fun to not enjoy these movies, but like I am, I am a bit too deep on them. If you actually if you Google my name and like the Fast and Furious, it comes up with this ABC interview I don't remember doing where I compared one of the movies to like The Godfather two, which is one of my favorite movies ever, man. But but I think I think it's like, yeah, just accepting them for what they are and realizing that you're going to go in, you're going to see some of the greatest stunt sequences ever. You're going to see one of the best and most charismatic cast ever assembled, and you're going to have fun and like, don't don't expect more from them or don't try to compare them to something grittier or something something weirder, just like accept them for what they are. Kick back and have a good time. Like that's what cinema is about, right?

It just is what it is. It's, you know, like it's escapism, isn't it? You know, you can suspend disbelief for a few hours while you go in there and they shoot a car into space.

It just is what it is. It's, you know, like it's escapism, isn't it? You know, you can suspend disbelief for a few hours while you go in there and they shoot a car into space.

Like, it's just a pretty lovely experience.

Like, it's just a pretty lovely experience.

We talked a bit about this, the start of the conversation. You and I spent a bit of time last week talking to most of the cast of these movies and most of the cast of Fast Ten. And one of the things that really stuck out to me was the reverence everyone has. Vivian like he is. He's the star of these movies. He's also one of the producers. It's really interesting to think back to the first few because he actually was only in one of the first three movies. He wasn't into Fast and Furious. He wasn't in Tokyo Drift. Those movies still were really popular. Any kind of comes back for four, and then from five onwards, the movies just sort of, you know, kick up a notch. And he's the driving force. He also seems to be like a de facto scriptwriter, director, kind of a showrunner on these things. How significantly you've spoken to him a couple of times now over the years. How significant is his role and what do you think it is about him that makes this franchise so long staying?

We talked a bit about this, the start of the conversation. You and I spent a bit of time last week talking to most of the cast of these movies and most of the cast of Fast Ten. And one of the things that really stuck out to me was the reverence everyone has. Vivian like he is. He's the star of these movies. He's also one of the producers. It's really interesting to think back to the first few because he actually was only in one of the first three movies. He wasn't into Fast and Furious. He wasn't in Tokyo Drift. Those movies still were really popular. Any kind of comes back for four, and then from five onwards, the movies just sort of, you know, kick up a notch. And he's the driving force. He also seems to be like a de facto scriptwriter, director, kind of a showrunner on these things. How significantly you've spoken to him a couple of times now over the years. How significant is his role and what do you think it is about him that makes this franchise so long staying?

Well, because I think I've interviewed him probably 3 or 4 times and. It's really interesting because, again, like, you want to be cynical about these things.

Well, because I think I've interviewed him probably 3 or 4 times and. It's really interesting because, again, like, you want to be cynical about these things.

Yeah, like a healthy skepticism. Like what? Journalists, right? Like, we like the movies, but we don't want to just be sycophants about it.

Yeah, like a healthy skepticism. Like what? Journalists, right? Like, we like the movies, but we don't want to just be sycophants about it.

Yeah, exactly. But then you talk to him and he is like the dad of the franchise. And I think that the way that everyone speaks about him with this reverence, like he goes out of his way to make everyone feel comfortable and part of the team. But I think as well, like for him to be involved from the very beginning and he was like, you know, in like a broader social context, he's like this masculine archetype, you know, Like I remember guys thinking that he was like the coolest. You know, he's got a leather jacket. He's driving a fast car. He's got two girls, you know, like great guys. That's something. But he's so progressive in so many ways. Like he centers the women's stories without making them just a in addition to the male characters, he's really sensitive. Like he's really quite sensitive. Like he talks a lot about love and a lot about trust and and friendship, like mateship and relationships. So, you know, I think that that's why and I actually do think it's genuine, you know, I mean, there's obviously no way for us to be 100% sure about that. And I'm sure that no one is one thing 100% of the time. But it does seem to me that the reason that he has such a good and strong reputation among the cohort is because he is that guy like he he's Dom and Dom is him. And so while he's masculine, he's soft. He's the dad, He's the one who looks after everyone. He's the one who makes sure that, you know, like people get to do the things that they want to do and don't have to do the things that they don't want to do. And I think that that's a pretty unique experience in in Hollywood.

Yeah, exactly. But then you talk to him and he is like the dad of the franchise. And I think that the way that everyone speaks about him with this reverence, like he goes out of his way to make everyone feel comfortable and part of the team. But I think as well, like for him to be involved from the very beginning and he was like, you know, in like a broader social context, he's like this masculine archetype, you know, Like I remember guys thinking that he was like the coolest. You know, he's got a leather jacket. He's driving a fast car. He's got two girls, you know, like great guys. That's something. But he's so progressive in so many ways. Like he centers the women's stories without making them just a in addition to the male characters, he's really sensitive. Like he's really quite sensitive. Like he talks a lot about love and a lot about trust and and friendship, like mateship and relationships. So, you know, I think that that's why and I actually do think it's genuine, you know, I mean, there's obviously no way for us to be 100% sure about that. And I'm sure that no one is one thing 100% of the time. But it does seem to me that the reason that he has such a good and strong reputation among the cohort is because he is that guy like he he's Dom and Dom is him. And so while he's masculine, he's soft. He's the dad, He's the one who looks after everyone. He's the one who makes sure that, you know, like people get to do the things that they want to do and don't have to do the things that they don't want to do. And I think that that's a pretty unique experience in in Hollywood.

Yeah. For an action film star, for sure. It's so interesting that point about how he has embedded like women at the center of this franchise. Like from day one, you talk to Michelle Rodriguez and she gives him all the credit for putting her at the center of it and talks about his complete lack of ego. And even though he has this masculinity, he's so confident in it, like Michelle had been in Girl Fight, which is like this indie boxing drama. I really loved her in the Fast and Furious. The first one, I loved her in Blue Crush, which I think came out a couple of years later. And she, like you, go back to the early 2000, that was so few women who were given compelling, well-written characters with all sorts of different dynamics and relationships and friendships that weren't just centered around a love interest and got to have like kickass fight scenes with guys and with other women. And speaking to Helen Mirren about this most because believe it or not, Dame Helen Mirren is in these movies as well. She credits Vin for not only bringing her into the franchise, but for giving her as a older 77 year old woman fun things to do, like drive fun cars and do cool stunts. He's brought in Rita moreno, who's 91 years old, right into this franchise. And he and he's not doing it because I think this is Helen's point. He's not doing it to tick a box because it's like the right thing to do. He genuinely cares about this stuff. I think the other really interesting thing about about Vin and I'm curious as to your kind of takes on this is he's had creative tension as well with this franchise like there have been reports that him and the Rock didn't get along, which is why The Rock is no longer a part of these movies. Justin Lin, who directed Tokyo Drift and some of the best films in the franchise he was originally supposed to be directing Fast Ten, but he sort of fell off again due to reported creative differences with Vin. But the studio keeps backing Vin and it doesn't seem to be steering them in the wrong direction. I do kind of miss the rock a little bit. I'm a bit sad about that not working and I thought he was a fun part of these movies. What do you think?

Yeah. For an action film star, for sure. It's so interesting that point about how he has embedded like women at the center of this franchise. Like from day one, you talk to Michelle Rodriguez and she gives him all the credit for putting her at the center of it and talks about his complete lack of ego. And even though he has this masculinity, he's so confident in it, like Michelle had been in Girl Fight, which is like this indie boxing drama. I really loved her in the Fast and Furious. The first one, I loved her in Blue Crush, which I think came out a couple of years later. And she, like you, go back to the early 2000, that was so few women who were given compelling, well-written characters with all sorts of different dynamics and relationships and friendships that weren't just centered around a love interest and got to have like kickass fight scenes with guys and with other women. And speaking to Helen Mirren about this most because believe it or not, Dame Helen Mirren is in these movies as well. She credits Vin for not only bringing her into the franchise, but for giving her as a older 77 year old woman fun things to do, like drive fun cars and do cool stunts. He's brought in Rita moreno, who's 91 years old, right into this franchise. And he and he's not doing it because I think this is Helen's point. He's not doing it to tick a box because it's like the right thing to do. He genuinely cares about this stuff. I think the other really interesting thing about about Vin and I'm curious as to your kind of takes on this is he's had creative tension as well with this franchise like there have been reports that him and the Rock didn't get along, which is why The Rock is no longer a part of these movies. Justin Lin, who directed Tokyo Drift and some of the best films in the franchise he was originally supposed to be directing Fast Ten, but he sort of fell off again due to reported creative differences with Vin. But the studio keeps backing Vin and it doesn't seem to be steering them in the wrong direction. I do kind of miss the rock a little bit. I'm a bit sad about that not working and I thought he was a fun part of these movies. What do you think?

Yeah, I think The Rock is a fun part of the movies, but I think to talk about Dame Helen Mirren, how funny is it that we're just referencing conversations that we've had with her? When spoke to her, she said she said that the reason that the earlier movies feel so contemporary now, like you can watch them and they're really watchable and really easy is because they did have so much diversity. So like it doesn't look really dated like other movies from 25 years ago where you're like, Wow, everyone's this is all white people. This is all white people talking about white people. Stuff like she said that I think that was sort of unprompted. So like they all sort of realize the power that he has in pulling together a team and respect that. So like, if the studio is looking at, you know, his history of of the decisions that he's made for the franchise, that would have been quite revolutionary in their time, like quite out of the ordinary at least. Of course you know you're going to back him any day of the week because he has such a strong history with it. You can't think of the fast franchise and not think of Vin Diesel 100%.

Yeah, I think The Rock is a fun part of the movies, but I think to talk about Dame Helen Mirren, how funny is it that we're just referencing conversations that we've had with her? When spoke to her, she said she said that the reason that the earlier movies feel so contemporary now, like you can watch them and they're really watchable and really easy is because they did have so much diversity. So like it doesn't look really dated like other movies from 25 years ago where you're like, Wow, everyone's this is all white people. This is all white people talking about white people. Stuff like she said that I think that was sort of unprompted. So like they all sort of realize the power that he has in pulling together a team and respect that. So like, if the studio is looking at, you know, his history of of the decisions that he's made for the franchise, that would have been quite revolutionary in their time, like quite out of the ordinary at least. Of course you know you're going to back him any day of the week because he has such a strong history with it. You can't think of the fast franchise and not think of Vin Diesel 100%.

I mean, similarly, Alan Ritchson, who a lot of people might not know, he most recently starred in the. Amazon Prime series Reacher. I actually know him from this really weird kind of comedy set in a frat house called Blue Mountain State. He's like the quintessential Hollywood blonde haired, blue eyed hunk. Right? He plays like a really strong, tough character in this movie. Again, unprompted to me when I asked him about this franchise is staying power. He said it's the diversity from day one before it was seen as the quote unquote right thing to do. It felt like the real world. And that is why these movies have attracted such a wide range of audiences. Tyrese Gibson I mean, he said something that I said it very honestly, but I had to laugh a little bit. He said, These movies are like the Dr. Martin Luther King Junior speech equivalent of of film. He said. They're so diverse. They have interracial relationships, which I actually think is an understated point about these things. Like we talk about diversity on screen now, but it's pretty rare to see multiple different kinds of interracial intercultural relationships in an action movie franchise where it's just accepted. And that's what the world is like. And I think I think he is right. And when you go to these movies, when you sit in theaters, they certainly feel like comfortable and familiar. I think to people like me, compared to so many other movies.

I mean, similarly, Alan Ritchson, who a lot of people might not know, he most recently starred in the. Amazon Prime series Reacher. I actually know him from this really weird kind of comedy set in a frat house called Blue Mountain State. He's like the quintessential Hollywood blonde haired, blue eyed hunk. Right? He plays like a really strong, tough character in this movie. Again, unprompted to me when I asked him about this franchise is staying power. He said it's the diversity from day one before it was seen as the quote unquote right thing to do. It felt like the real world. And that is why these movies have attracted such a wide range of audiences. Tyrese Gibson I mean, he said something that I said it very honestly, but I had to laugh a little bit. He said, These movies are like the Dr. Martin Luther King Junior speech equivalent of of film. He said. They're so diverse. They have interracial relationships, which I actually think is an understated point about these things. Like we talk about diversity on screen now, but it's pretty rare to see multiple different kinds of interracial intercultural relationships in an action movie franchise where it's just accepted. And that's what the world is like. And I think I think he is right. And when you go to these movies, when you sit in theaters, they certainly feel like comfortable and familiar. I think to people like me, compared to so many other movies.

The one thing that he said to me as well, to sort of hark back to what we were saying about Ben is that Ben insisted that he bring his kids on set on a particular day. He's like, Oh, my kids are going to come. You bring your kids or we'll send a car to go get your kids and they can come and play. And then also, did you see like further to that, did you see Charlize Theron's girls running around the hallways? I did.

The one thing that he said to me as well, to sort of hark back to what we were saying about Ben is that Ben insisted that he bring his kids on set on a particular day. He's like, Oh, my kids are going to come. You bring your kids or we'll send a car to go get your kids and they can come and play. And then also, did you see like further to that, did you see Charlize Theron's girls running around the hallways? I did.

I did. I feel like they they take the family thing really seriously. It's like we're doing a junket in Rome. But like everyone bringing your kids are all gonna have a good time. And that was certainly like the vibe we got when you consider like 18 of the world's biggest movie stars working on a movie together, hanging out together, doing media stuff and all seemingly actually enjoying each other's company, it seems to be why the movies feel so natural and so fun because there is a real chemistry with with all of these people. Let's talk about the most recent film Fast Ten. I mean, there's a crazy stat. I was going to surprise you with it, but then I realized that I've been yelling at you every day for the past week. But this movie, Fast Ten, is the first film in history to feature four Oscar winning actresses. That seems crazy to me. Like, did you expect it in this franchise?

I did. I feel like they they take the family thing really seriously. It's like we're doing a junket in Rome. But like everyone bringing your kids are all gonna have a good time. And that was certainly like the vibe we got when you consider like 18 of the world's biggest movie stars working on a movie together, hanging out together, doing media stuff and all seemingly actually enjoying each other's company, it seems to be why the movies feel so natural and so fun because there is a real chemistry with with all of these people. Let's talk about the most recent film Fast Ten. I mean, there's a crazy stat. I was going to surprise you with it, but then I realized that I've been yelling at you every day for the past week. But this movie, Fast Ten, is the first film in history to feature four Oscar winning actresses. That seems crazy to me. Like, did you expect it in this franchise?

No, I didn't. And again, it's because you look at it and anyone who's listening to this and who isn't like, Oh, with the fast franchise or thinks that there may be a bit too smart or a bit to something to watch them, like you look at it and you think, oh, you know, I would never expect all of these really progressive things to come out of this sort of franchise. But it does and it's intentional. And it's so interesting that you that you look at the people that they're able to bring in on projects. Like I was talking to Louis, the director on the red carpet and I was like, surely most of your job is just wrangling all of these huge names and making sure that no one's treading on anyone's toes. I mean, you've got, like you said, four Oscar winning actresses in one movie. You've got Jason Statham on one side. You've got John Cena over here, Jason Momoa and Vin Diesel. It's like, how do you even begin to pull together a movie that's like coherent with that many big names?

No, I didn't. And again, it's because you look at it and anyone who's listening to this and who isn't like, Oh, with the fast franchise or thinks that there may be a bit too smart or a bit to something to watch them, like you look at it and you think, oh, you know, I would never expect all of these really progressive things to come out of this sort of franchise. But it does and it's intentional. And it's so interesting that you that you look at the people that they're able to bring in on projects. Like I was talking to Louis, the director on the red carpet and I was like, surely most of your job is just wrangling all of these huge names and making sure that no one's treading on anyone's toes. I mean, you've got, like you said, four Oscar winning actresses in one movie. You've got Jason Statham on one side. You've got John Cena over here, Jason Momoa and Vin Diesel. It's like, how do you even begin to pull together a movie that's like coherent with that many big names?

Yeah, it's wild. I was riding my big long feature for this film and I was kind of thinking about like, okay, we've got this crazy stat, we've got Rita moreno, Brie Larson, Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren in these movies. How did we get here? And I think this goes back to what we were saying before, even though that feels crazy to say it loud, the DNA and like the blueprint of how we got here was there from day one this centering of incredible women actresses, this natural approach to diversity, the willingness to have fun and take risks. Like the other thing about this is, you know, if you're if you're a close fan of the franchise, you might know this. Helen Mirren and Rita moreno begged to be in it like this wasn't like Vin chasing them and saying, I want you guys. They kind of like Margaret Pomeranz, have always loved it and saw it and it's like if you think you're too good for this franchise regular person, you think you're better than Helen Mirren or Rita moreno or Charlize Theron, and like knowing what a good movie is. No thanks.

Yeah, it's wild. I was riding my big long feature for this film and I was kind of thinking about like, okay, we've got this crazy stat, we've got Rita moreno, Brie Larson, Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren in these movies. How did we get here? And I think this goes back to what we were saying before, even though that feels crazy to say it loud, the DNA and like the blueprint of how we got here was there from day one this centering of incredible women actresses, this natural approach to diversity, the willingness to have fun and take risks. Like the other thing about this is, you know, if you're if you're a close fan of the franchise, you might know this. Helen Mirren and Rita moreno begged to be in it like this wasn't like Vin chasing them and saying, I want you guys. They kind of like Margaret Pomeranz, have always loved it and saw it and it's like if you think you're too good for this franchise regular person, you think you're better than Helen Mirren or Rita moreno or Charlize Theron, and like knowing what a good movie is. No thanks.

Do you know who else was asking to be in?

Do you know who else was asking to be in?

It was Brie Larson. Apparently she was chasing them for ages. Yeah, right into it. So it's. Yeah, like, I think it's something that people want to be a part of because, you know, they make highly entertaining movies and I'm sure they will make a lot of money from them. But it seems like a really cool project to be a part of because I think, you know, when you do look at it through these like cultural or social lenses, you realize just how clever they've been in like, you know, not pushing agendas, but like in progressing things in an industry that, you know, lags behind in a lot of ways. Like I know Hollywood and it can be quite progressive and they talk about a lot of good things, but there's also like it lags in a lot of ways and it can be really bad in a lot of ways. So then if you've got, you know, all of these big movements happening in Hollywood, but then you've got at the same time Vin Diesel pushing forward people like Michelle Rodriguez or, you know, like Nathalie.

It was Brie Larson. Apparently she was chasing them for ages. Yeah, right into it. So it's. Yeah, like, I think it's something that people want to be a part of because, you know, they make highly entertaining movies and I'm sure they will make a lot of money from them. But it seems like a really cool project to be a part of because I think, you know, when you do look at it through these like cultural or social lenses, you realize just how clever they've been in like, you know, not pushing agendas, but like in progressing things in an industry that, you know, lags behind in a lot of ways. Like I know Hollywood and it can be quite progressive and they talk about a lot of good things, but there's also like it lags in a lot of ways and it can be really bad in a lot of ways. So then if you've got, you know, all of these big movements happening in Hollywood, but then you've got at the same time Vin Diesel pushing forward people like Michelle Rodriguez or, you know, like Nathalie.

Nathalie Emmanuel, Yeah, yeah.

Nathalie Emmanuel, Yeah, yeah.

And she was saying, like, this launched my career. Like, I knew that when Vin took me on on this project or like when I got it, you know, became a part of the movies like it, you know, her phone started ringing off the hook. So he's letting women be different kinds of women, you know, whether it's like a nerdy super geek who's like hacking into the mainframe or like, you know, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who's getting into fights and stealing cars, like he's letting women be different kinds of women and. Not feeling threatened by it at all. Like it's. It's wonderful.

And she was saying, like, this launched my career. Like, I knew that when Vin took me on on this project or like when I got it, you know, became a part of the movies like it, you know, her phone started ringing off the hook. So he's letting women be different kinds of women, you know, whether it's like a nerdy super geek who's like hacking into the mainframe or like, you know, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who's getting into fights and stealing cars, like he's letting women be different kinds of women and. Not feeling threatened by it at all. Like it's. It's wonderful.

Yeah. And I think it's why, like, I was really worried about the franchise after seven. That's the last movie that Paul Walker was in. He died tragically in an unrelated car accident while filming that movie, actually. And that movie is my favorite, I think, not just because that it's this beautiful tribute to Paul and like it's this funny thing where his character, Brian, is still, like, alive, like in the canon of the movies, but he sort of retired looking after the kid. So they didn't kill him off and they just they did it so, so beautifully, I think. And it was such a great film. And then I thought, Oh, how are they going to pull this off like without him? And they added, Those people you're talking about, you know, Jason Statham, Charlize Theron, John Cena. And I do think that didn't just give it some star power, but the way that they brought those people in, like Helen Mirren and Jason Statham are family in this movie. And there's like a family there that that mirrors like Dom Toretto and his group. The movies feel different in a way without like that kind of anchor of Paul Walker's relationship with Vin Diesel. But I feel like they still kind of have some of the soul. Did you feel that in this most recent film?

Yeah. And I think it's why, like, I was really worried about the franchise after seven. That's the last movie that Paul Walker was in. He died tragically in an unrelated car accident while filming that movie, actually. And that movie is my favorite, I think, not just because that it's this beautiful tribute to Paul and like it's this funny thing where his character, Brian, is still, like, alive, like in the canon of the movies, but he sort of retired looking after the kid. So they didn't kill him off and they just they did it so, so beautifully, I think. And it was such a great film. And then I thought, Oh, how are they going to pull this off like without him? And they added, Those people you're talking about, you know, Jason Statham, Charlize Theron, John Cena. And I do think that didn't just give it some star power, but the way that they brought those people in, like Helen Mirren and Jason Statham are family in this movie. And there's like a family there that that mirrors like Dom Toretto and his group. The movies feel different in a way without like that kind of anchor of Paul Walker's relationship with Vin Diesel. But I feel like they still kind of have some of the soul. Did you feel that in this most recent film?

Yeah, but I think that sort of like that little bit of melancholy adds something to it as well. Like it sort of makes it feel a little bit more special or a bit more sacred or something, you know, like, you know that there's something uncomfortable. And so everyone sort of not tiptoeing around, but it's a delicate thing. And I think that that sort of tension adds a bit of magic sometimes, and I think it does to the in this latest one. And even when you're talking with them on the red carpet or, you know, in the junket interviews and sort of trying to figure out a delicate way to ask someone about the one of their best friends who's passed away, I don't think it detracts like I think it I think it adds something that's like intangible but special.

Yeah, but I think that sort of like that little bit of melancholy adds something to it as well. Like it sort of makes it feel a little bit more special or a bit more sacred or something, you know, like, you know that there's something uncomfortable. And so everyone sort of not tiptoeing around, but it's a delicate thing. And I think that that sort of tension adds a bit of magic sometimes, and I think it does to the in this latest one. And even when you're talking with them on the red carpet or, you know, in the junket interviews and sort of trying to figure out a delicate way to ask someone about the one of their best friends who's passed away, I don't think it detracts like I think it I think it adds something that's like intangible but special.

Totally 100% agree. That's really well put. This is a bit of a gearshift, pardon my pun. There is in this film a cameo brook that I feel like I want to talk to you about for a second. It's a spoiler. So if you haven't seen the movie yet, maybe skip ahead a couple of minutes. This is ridiculous. So this is Natalie Emmanuel's character. Ramsey is his hacker takes Tyrese and I think Ludacris and a few people back to London to meet this guy who's apparently going to help them get gear, weapons, cars, money, everything they need. They walk into this like Internet cafe in London. And the guy is Pete Davidson. I think I yelped when I saw this in the cinema. It was crazy. How did you react to you?

Totally 100% agree. That's really well put. This is a bit of a gearshift, pardon my pun. There is in this film a cameo brook that I feel like I want to talk to you about for a second. It's a spoiler. So if you haven't seen the movie yet, maybe skip ahead a couple of minutes. This is ridiculous. So this is Natalie Emmanuel's character. Ramsey is his hacker takes Tyrese and I think Ludacris and a few people back to London to meet this guy who's apparently going to help them get gear, weapons, cars, money, everything they need. They walk into this like Internet cafe in London. And the guy is Pete Davidson. I think I yelped when I saw this in the cinema. It was crazy. How did you react to you?

Oh, my God. Oh, my God. It's Pete Davidson.

Oh, my God. Oh, my God. It's Pete Davidson.

Like that felt more incongruous in some ways than Helen Mirren or like Charlize Theron. I just felt like these universes colliding. But I think to go back to your point right from the start is these films are sort of in touch with the zeitgeist in so many different ways, not just in terms of like what a good plot is or what a great action sequence should look like in 2023. But like, who is an interesting and funny and like topical person who just seems to be at the center of culture and how do we squeeze them in in this way? Whoever's idea that was, I think, very, very smart.

Like that felt more incongruous in some ways than Helen Mirren or like Charlize Theron. I just felt like these universes colliding. But I think to go back to your point right from the start is these films are sort of in touch with the zeitgeist in so many different ways, not just in terms of like what a good plot is or what a great action sequence should look like in 2023. But like, who is an interesting and funny and like topical person who just seems to be at the center of culture and how do we squeeze them in in this way? Whoever's idea that was, I think, very, very smart.

It was so smart. Mean, okay, let's play a game. If it wasn't going to be Pete Davidson, but you need a star of like similar caliber and similar position in the zeitgeist, as you said. Who would who would it be? Like Timothee Chalamet or something?

It was so smart. Mean, okay, let's play a game. If it wasn't going to be Pete Davidson, but you need a star of like similar caliber and similar position in the zeitgeist, as you said. Who would who would it be? Like Timothee Chalamet or something?

Or like, yeah, I was thinking Timothee or Zendaya, but I think they would have felt they're so earnest and serious. Like there's something like Pete Davidson's ability to sort of be funny and poke fun of himself is what made it feel right.

Or like, yeah, I was thinking Timothee or Zendaya, but I think they would have felt they're so earnest and serious. Like there's something like Pete Davidson's ability to sort of be funny and poke fun of himself is what made it feel right.

Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah.

So like.

So like.

I think it's sort of perfect because that's what they do.

I think it's sort of perfect because that's what they do.

Well, Like.

Well, Like.

They have like their, their skeleton that they know works for them or like their template or whatever, and then they just sort of latch onto or like pull along with them. The thing that is really popular at the time.

They have like their, their skeleton that they know works for them or like their template or whatever, and then they just sort of latch onto or like pull along with them. The thing that is really popular at the time.

So this film is supposed to be the beginning of the end of this franchise. Supposed to be one more film, though. Vin Diesel at the red carpet premiere did sort of weirdly hint that maybe there's going to be a third, final film, that this could be a trilogy. I mean, is this this thing right with movies? And you would have been thinking and talking about this stuff for years as well, like movies that make this much money. Studios don't want to wind them up. Do you think that this is really the beginning of the end? Do you think it will evolve in some way? Do you think we'll just keep getting more movies like this, iterating, adding more people getting bigger and bigger?

So this film is supposed to be the beginning of the end of this franchise. Supposed to be one more film, though. Vin Diesel at the red carpet premiere did sort of weirdly hint that maybe there's going to be a third, final film, that this could be a trilogy. I mean, is this this thing right with movies? And you would have been thinking and talking about this stuff for years as well, like movies that make this much money. Studios don't want to wind them up. Do you think that this is really the beginning of the end? Do you think it will evolve in some way? Do you think we'll just keep getting more movies like this, iterating, adding more people getting bigger and bigger?

I think that what will happen is like they'll sort of somehow convince Jason Momoa to come over to their side in the next movie.

I think that what will happen is like they'll sort of somehow convince Jason Momoa to come over to their side in the next movie.

They're very good at doing that. They're very good at making the bad guy part of the family. Even Jason Statham, we thought killed Han like a fan favorite. He's like part of the family now.

They're very good at doing that. They're very good at making the bad guy part of the family. Even Jason Statham, we thought killed Han like a fan favorite. He's like part of the family now.

Yeah, they'll win him over.

Yeah, they'll win him over.

With love and, you know, bring him under there. Like, Hey, guess what? We don't have a dad as well, you know? We know. You mean to come over to our side? That's what they'll do. I know that's what they'll do.

With love and, you know, bring him under there. Like, Hey, guess what? We don't have a dad as well, you know? We know. You mean to come over to our side? That's what they'll do. I know that's what they'll do.

So the next movie, I think that.

So the next movie, I think that.

They'll probably have some more action. Jason will try to kill them, destroy the world or whatever. They'll eventually win him over, but then they'll be like an even bigger enemy. Who knows what it'll be? It'll be like some sort of whatever the like, Ice-T thing is. Like, maybe it'll be some social media thing or like.

They'll probably have some more action. Jason will try to kill them, destroy the world or whatever. They'll eventually win him over, but then they'll be like an even bigger enemy. Who knows what it'll be? It'll be like some sort of whatever the like, Ice-T thing is. Like, maybe it'll be some social media thing or like.

Like a TikTok star.

Like a TikTok star.

Yeah, like a TikTok.

Yeah, like a TikTok.

Star or like some sort of, like, tapping into, like, the Russia-Ukraine War or something. Like, they're so good at tapping into like, the things that are going on in the world. So it'll be like or a virus or something like it'll be some bigger, bigger common enemy. And then they'll spend the final movie overcoming that. And then I think what will happen is like those senior cast, like that core cast, like Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Vin Diesel, I think that they'll sort of like retire them. And then the people who are part of like the next generation will have like some sort of spinoff.

Star or like some sort of, like, tapping into, like, the Russia-Ukraine War or something. Like, they're so good at tapping into like, the things that are going on in the world. So it'll be like or a virus or something like it'll be some bigger, bigger common enemy. And then they'll spend the final movie overcoming that. And then I think what will happen is like those senior cast, like that core cast, like Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Vin Diesel, I think that they'll sort of like retire them. And then the people who are part of like the next generation will have like some sort of spinoff.

Yeah, I think, I think you're right. I think this particular kind of story, the Vin Diesel Dominic Toretto story, I think is reaching an end. I mean, like it's it will be 25 plus years by the time the final movie's come out. But yeah, the name is so valuable. The emotion, the emotional connection is there. People will want to follow this on TV shows in future films as well. Of that, I have no doubt. Brooke Boney, thank you so much for diving into all of this with me. It was a real pleasure to to talk about this franchise with you. Thank you, Oz. Let's go to my interview now with Charlize, Brie, Michele and Helen.

Yeah, I think, I think you're right. I think this particular kind of story, the Vin Diesel Dominic Toretto story, I think is reaching an end. I mean, like it's it will be 25 plus years by the time the final movie's come out. But yeah, the name is so valuable. The emotion, the emotional connection is there. People will want to follow this on TV shows in future films as well. Of that, I have no doubt. Brooke Boney, thank you so much for diving into all of this with me. It was a real pleasure to to talk about this franchise with you. Thank you, Oz. Let's go to my interview now with Charlize, Brie, Michele and Helen.

Oh, yeah. I think it's, you know, it's a testament to the, you know, to the producers, to Vin and his, you know, security in his own masculinity, that he doesn't feel intimidated by having strong women around him. You know, it's also about universal generating the space to have these kickass girls express themselves. And so, like, you know, it's just a testament to to all the work that we put in in the early 2000s, you know, And I'm just so happy that it's that it's grown into this tree. You know.

Oh, yeah. I think it's, you know, it's a testament to the, you know, to the producers, to Vin and his, you know, security in his own masculinity, that he doesn't feel intimidated by having strong women around him. You know, it's also about universal generating the space to have these kickass girls express themselves. And so, like, you know, it's just a testament to to all the work that we put in in the early 2000s, you know, And I'm just so happy that it's that it's grown into this tree. You know.

I can be reductive to just ask women about what it's like to be women in a film. It's not really where I want to go, but I just thought that statistic was so significant. And I know Charlie's surprised that I kind of took an action film, ten films into the franchise to bring together, like such an extraordinary cast of award winning, critically acclaimed women actors.

I can be reductive to just ask women about what it's like to be women in a film. It's not really where I want to go, but I just thought that statistic was so significant. And I know Charlie's surprised that I kind of took an action film, ten films into the franchise to bring together, like such an extraordinary cast of award winning, critically acclaimed women actors.

I mean, I think in retrospect, we could always say, like, God, we wish it would happen sooner, right? I think women would all agree that it's been it's been tough, like getting our footing in there. But I always refer to her as the true OG, who stepped into a franchise movie, really worked hard to figure out how to stand for what she wanted this to be. And I don't think it was always very easy. So yeah, in that retrospect, I don't I hate that it was that way for her, was that way for all of us. But it's nice to just like not be bitter and just enjoy this moment, you know? I'm going to be in a wheelchair in about three years, though. What? I wish it happened a little earlier just for my body. What are.

I mean, I think in retrospect, we could always say, like, God, we wish it would happen sooner, right? I think women would all agree that it's been it's been tough, like getting our footing in there. But I always refer to her as the true OG, who stepped into a franchise movie, really worked hard to figure out how to stand for what she wanted this to be. And I don't think it was always very easy. So yeah, in that retrospect, I don't I hate that it was that way for her, was that way for all of us. But it's nice to just like not be bitter and just enjoy this moment, you know? I'm going to be in a wheelchair in about three years, though. What? I wish it happened a little earlier just for my body. What are.

You doing?

You doing?

Oh, my. For my hip replacement surgery.

Oh, my. For my hip replacement surgery.

It's going to happen next year. Stop aging.

It's going to happen next year. Stop aging.

Yourself. Why do you do that?

Yourself. Why do you do that?

No, I just. I listen, I'm not 20 anymore. After every movie, I have to get surgery. Like I just fixed my shoulder. I wish, you know. True. Yeah, because.

No, I just. I listen, I'm not 20 anymore. After every movie, I have to get surgery. Like I just fixed my shoulder. I wish, you know. True. Yeah, because.

Because she throws herself completely into what she does and kind of forgets that the body has to follow. Yeah.

Because she throws herself completely into what she does and kind of forgets that the body has to follow. Yeah.

Silly me.

Silly me.

I mean, she's also shooting, like, three action movies at a time.

I mean, she's also shooting, like, three action movies at a time.

Slow them down. What's wrong with you, woman? You can swear on this. Bleep yourself. Yeah, I did. It's a really good talent because you still move the lip, and then this is, like, so good. My jet lag. That is a crazy glitch in the matrix.

Slow them down. What's wrong with you, woman? You can swear on this. Bleep yourself. Yeah, I did. It's a really good talent because you still move the lip, and then this is, like, so good. My jet lag. That is a crazy glitch in the matrix.

Bring the freshest to the franchise. That of the three of you here, it's been more than two decades that these moves have been being made. There's such a long running connection and stories that a lot of the cast have. Was it intimidating at all or did you feel like.

Bring the freshest to the franchise. That of the three of you here, it's been more than two decades that these moves have been being made. There's such a long running connection and stories that a lot of the cast have. Was it intimidating at all or did you feel like.

Yeah, I mean, in my head it was intimidating. Then I met everybody and they were really nice, so then it was fine. I felt comfortable. But yes, I went through this extreme excitement like, Oh my gosh, I can't believe I get to do this is my dream job. And then like in a ball, like, what am I going to do? Like, can I actually do this? Because it's not I mean, this was kind of the first time for me where I'm stepping into something that has this heritage, this legacy that I respect so much. And so there's a lot of pressure that I was putting on myself with that because I want to be at the same level as them.

Yeah, I mean, in my head it was intimidating. Then I met everybody and they were really nice, so then it was fine. I felt comfortable. But yes, I went through this extreme excitement like, Oh my gosh, I can't believe I get to do this is my dream job. And then like in a ball, like, what am I going to do? Like, can I actually do this? Because it's not I mean, this was kind of the first time for me where I'm stepping into something that has this heritage, this legacy that I respect so much. And so there's a lot of pressure that I was putting on myself with that because I want to be at the same level as them.

Did you find that, Charlize, when you joined you joined a few movies ago, and was it a pretty quick thing to go from the newcomer to now? You're just part of the the family in a kind of bizarre twist in this movie, sort of building alliances with people we didn't expect to see.

Did you find that, Charlize, when you joined you joined a few movies ago, and was it a pretty quick thing to go from the newcomer to now? You're just part of the the family in a kind of bizarre twist in this movie, sort of building alliances with people we didn't expect to see.

Sick, psychotic.

Sick, psychotic.

Twist come down.

Twist come down.

That's you know, I feel like my character is a little bit different just because she's a psychopath.

That's you know, I feel like my character is a little bit different just because she's a psychopath.

You guys are getting along.

You guys are getting along.

I'm like even off camera. Like, I was never really around the rest of the cast. Like on the first movie I only worked with, I saw you in five, five seconds on the floor. Yeah, most of the time. I was just with then. And then the second time around I was in a box. So this has been.

I'm like even off camera. Like, I was never really around the rest of the cast. Like on the first movie I only worked with, I saw you in five, five seconds on the floor. Yeah, most of the time. I was just with then. And then the second time around I was in a box. So this has been.

A mastermind chess player.

A mastermind chess player.

I mean, we used to, like, see each other premieres and I'd be like, Yeah, what's up? So it's different in the sense that I always felt so much support from her. And like when I did see her, like pass me and base camp, like she always made it a point to be like, What do you need? Or you'd be taking care of? And I just so appreciated that.

I mean, we used to, like, see each other premieres and I'd be like, Yeah, what's up? So it's different in the sense that I always felt so much support from her. And like when I did see her, like pass me and base camp, like she always made it a point to be like, What do you need? Or you'd be taking care of? And I just so appreciated that.

I'm really interested to get each of your perspectives on why this franchise at a time when so many that we thought would just be around forever kind of waning a bit fast keeps growing and growing. I have my own theories. To me, I think there's been like diversity embedded in it from day one. I'm curious as to whether you guys have thoughts on that or other other theories.

I'm really interested to get each of your perspectives on why this franchise at a time when so many that we thought would just be around forever kind of waning a bit fast keeps growing and growing. I have my own theories. To me, I think there's been like diversity embedded in it from day one. I'm curious as to whether you guys have thoughts on that or other other theories.

Michelle You what? I'm not going to pretend to know what the magic formula is. Tell us. But no, no.

Michelle You what? I'm not going to pretend to know what the magic formula is. Tell us. But no, no.

But it could be you. You've been there for me. No, no, it is.

But it could be you. You've been there for me. No, no, it is.

You know what? To be fair, I honestly think that it's the platform.

You know what? To be fair, I honestly think that it's the platform.

I do think that.

I do think that.

That one of the ingredients is Vin's relationship with the fans and their involvement with with the franchise itself. I mean.

That one of the ingredients is Vin's relationship with the fans and their involvement with with the franchise itself. I mean.

They wanted me back. I came back. You know, they fight for certain things when they see something.

They wanted me back. I came back. You know, they fight for certain things when they see something.

That they don't like, they they voice it and they're listened to. So they're the fans are a big.

That they don't like, they they voice it and they're listened to. So they're the fans are a big.

Part of of the franchise. And I don't think that there's I can't name off the top of my head any other franchise that includes them as much as Fast.

Part of of the franchise. And I don't think that there's I can't name off the top of my head any other franchise that includes them as much as Fast.

And Furious.

And Furious.

Does.

Does.

And I think that the fact that we were there.

And I think that the fact that we were there.

Before globalization took its took its toll on the world, I think that we represent kind of like what hip hop did to the music industry and that respect of diversity and inclusion. And once.